Folding or collapsible umbrella



Sept., 22, 1942. H. HAUPT FOLDING OR GOLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA Filed May 3l, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 22, 1942. H, HAUPT FOLDING 0R GOLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA Filed May 3l, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheetl 2 aflanzqy Sept. 22, 1942. H, HAUPT 2,296,666

FOLDING 0R COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA Filed May 5l, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Hm m y HW FOLDING OR COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA Filed May 31, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 v1 /40 flee/enfanl b H i I Patented Sept. 22, i942 OFFICE 2,296,666 FQLDIN G R COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA Hans Haupt, Berlin-Zehlendorf, Germany; vested in the Alien Property Custodian Application May 31, 1940, Serial No. 338,112 In Germany June 15, 1939 15 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in folding or collapsible umbrellas, and more particularly in umbrellas of the type which are provided with telescopic stick vand rib members. In umbrellas of this type the stretchers or braces are ordinarily jointed to the inner ends of the outer rib members, so that in the opened or extended position of the umbrella the stretchers hold the ribs in extended position. In such umbrellas the degree of reducing the length of the umbrella by folding or collapsing the same largely depends on the length of the stretchers. The length of the said stretchers must be such that in the opened position of the umbrella they extend from the runner at least to the inner ends of the outer rib members, and therefore their length is substantially the same as that of the inner rib members. In the collapsed position of the stick and ribs the'stretchers extend from the upper end of the stick to the lower end thereof which is located near the handle, and thus their length controls the total length of the collapsed frame.

When the umbrella is in closed position with the stick and rib members telescoped outwardly the outer ends of the outer ribs extend to the handle, and therefore the said ribs are longer than the distance between the crown and the joint connecting the stretchers with the runner, and therefore longer than the stretchers. As the length of the stretchers is substantially the same as that of the inner rib members, and the outer rib members are longer than the stretchers, they are also longer than the inner rib members, and therefore the length of the collapsed umbrella is larger than that which could be obtained by dividing the ribs at the middle of their length.

vSo far I have discussed an umbrella in which the ribs are divided into two members, and I have shown that such umbrellas can be reduced in length only in a limited degree. The same disadvantage prevails in a higher degree in umbrellas in which the ribs are divided into three sections. As the length of the collapsed umbrella depends upon the length of the stretchers, it is not possible by merely dividing the ribs into three sections of similar length and connecting the outer rib members to the stretchers to reduce the length of the collapsed umbrella to a length corresponding toone third of the length of the ribs. It would be possible further to reduce the length of the umbrella by jointing the stretchers to the median members. But in such constructions means must be provided for locking the outer members in extended position relatively to the median members, which results in complicated constructions. Further such umbrellas are objectionable because in the closed umbrella in which the stick and rib members are telescoped outwardly the runner is not located near the handle, so that it is diflicult to grasp the same by the hand for opening the umbrella.

One of the objects of the improvements is to provide an umbrella of the class indicated in which the degree of the reduction of the length of the umbrella does not depend any more on the length ,of the stretchers, and which can be opened and closed or collapsed and extended in a simple way. With this object in view my invention consists in constructing each stretcher in the form of a linkage the elements of which are movable relatively to each other and to the stick and the ribs in such a way that the distance between the joint connecting the stretchers with the runner and the joint connecting the stretchers with the outer rib members is reduced in length when the umbrella is closed and enlarged again to normal length when the umbrella is opened. Therefore, when the umbrella is in closed position with the stick and rib members extended, the stretchers have been reduced to a length smaller than the length of the stretchers in the opened or extended umbrella. Therefore, the outer rib members which must be longer than the stretchers may be reduced in length, and ribs consisting of two members may be divided at the middle of their length.

Other objects of the improvements will appear from the following description.

For the purpose of explaining the invention several examples embodying the same have been shown in the accompanying drawings in which the same reference characters have been used in all the views to indicate corresponding parts. In said drawings i Fig. 1 is an elevation of an umbrella showing the stick and one of the ribs and its stretchers in extended or opened position,

Fig. 2 is an elevation partly in sect/ion showing the umbrella collapsed,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevation of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 1, the stick, the rib and its stretcher being in an intermediate position,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale showing a portion of a rib of the umbrella illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2,

Fig. 5 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 5 of Fig 2,

Fig. 6 is a detail elevation showing the upper spring catch of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 1,

said member I5 on the rib member I4.

Fig. 7 is a-sectional elevation showing a part of the stick of the umbrella illustratedin Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. '7,

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on therline 9-3 i' Fig. '7,

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation of the stick taken on the line III-I0 of Fig. 7,

Fig. 11 is an elevation similar to the one illustrated in Fig. l and showing a modillcation,

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary elevation showing the parts of the umbrella of Fig. 11 collapsed,

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary elevation showing another modication, and

Fig. 14 is an elevation showing the parts of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 13 collapsed.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 10 the stick of the umbrella comprises three telescopic members 2 and 3 which are adapted to be held in extended position by spring latches 4 and 5.

To the upper stick member I a crown 1 is secured, and the upper stick member carries a spring catch 3 adapted in the extended position of the umbrella to support the main runner 3. To the lower rib member 3 a handle III is secured, and the lower stick member carries a spring catch I| adapted to secure the main runner 9 in the closed position of the umbrella. To the crown 1 ribs are jointed which are made in three telescopic sections I3, I4 and I5. The outer rib member I has a solid circular cross-section, and its inner end I5 is bent inwardly and jointed by means of a pivot bolt I1 to the outer member I3 of a brace or stretcher consisting of pivoted members I3 and 3|. To the said pivot bolt a guide member I3 is jointed which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, and which has the median rib member I4 telescoping therein. The said member I4 is U-shaped in cross-section. To the outer end of the median member I4 a guide ring 23 is secured which provides an additional guide for the outer rib member I5, and which also limits the outward movement of the The median rib member |4 has the inner rib member I3 telescoping therein, which member I3 is likewise U-shaped in cross-section. To the inner end of the rib member I4 a sleeve 2| is secured which provides an additional guide for the rib member I3. The said sleeve 2| and the adjacent ends of the rib members I3 and I4 have been shown on an enlarged scale in Fig. 4. A cut-out portion 22 of the sleeve 2l is engaged by an eye-shaped portion of a spring 24 which is adapted for engagement with a hole 25 made in the wall of the inner rib member I3, for limiting the outward movement of the stick member I4. An arm 23 of the said spring bears on the inner wall of the member I3. The dimension of the inner rib member I3 is such that in the collapsed position of the parts the rib member I5 is embraced thereby, and that it is embraced by the outer rib member I4, as appears from Fig. 5. When the parts are being collapsed the inwardly bent inner end of the outer rib member I5 readily rides on the outer end of the inner rib member I3, so that the parts are telescoped inwardly without obstruction. By thus telescoping the rib members inwardly the ribs are reduced substantially to one thirdiA of their length.

The member I8 of the stretcher jointed to the inner end of the outer rib member is in telescopic engagement with a channel-shaped controlling member 26, a sleeve 21,' to which the controlling member 26 at its outer end is shaped, providing a guide for the member I3. The controlling member 23 is jointed at 23 to the main runner 3. The inner end oi the member I3 is bent upwardly at 23, and it is jointed at 3|) to the stretcher member 3| the inner end of which is jointed at 32 to a subsidiary runner 33. 'To an eye 34 provided at a point intermediate the ends of the stretcher member 3| a brace 35 is jointed which is connected with its opposite end at 23 to the main runner 3. The controlling member 23 serves, it will be perceived, as a tension member, in that it is eilective to limit the range of expansive turning of the compound stretcher I3, 3| upon its pivot 33. Additionally, by virtue of its telescopic engagement with the outer stretcher member I3, the controlling member 23 participates in the raising and lowering of the umbrella and in the collapsing of the stretcher, and steadies the jointed stretcher.

The full lines of Fig. 1 show the umbrella in 4opened or extended position, while the dotted lines show the same inthe closed position. I! it is desired to close the umbrella the spring catch 3 is pressed inwardly, and the main runner 3 is pulled downwardly and into the position shown in Fig. 1 in dotted lines, in which position it is locked near the handle by means of the spring catch II. When the ribs are thus moved inwardly and into closed position the inwardly directed pressure of the ribs on the collapsed stretchers I3, 3| causes enlargement of the distance between the main runner 3 and the subsidiary runner 33, and the members I3 are telescoped to fullest extent into the controlling member 26, so that the distance between the main runner 9 and the joints I'I is reduced. In the open umbrella the said distance between the joints 23 and Il is about two thirds of the length of the extended ribs, as appears from the full lines shown in Fig. 1. But in the closed position of the umbrella indicated in dotted lines the said distance is only about one third of the length of the umbrella. In the closed position of the umbrella the total length of the rib is but slightly less than the total length of the rib of the extended umbrella, the difference in the length corresponding to the relaxing of the cover of the umbrella.

If it is desired to collapse the closed umbrella, all the parts are merely telescoped inwardly by exerting pressure on the handle I3 and the crown 1. In this case the rib members'I3, I4 and I5 and the stick members I, 2 and 3 are telescoped inwardly and into the position shown in Fig. 2. As appears from this ligure, the length of the umbrella is reduced to a very large extent, which result is attainable in consequence of the forming of the stretcher as two members I3, 3|, pivotally united in an elbow Joint.

If it is desired to extend the collapsed umbrella, the umbrella is pulled outwardly at its ends, so that the parts come to the positions shown in Fig. 1 in dotted lines, and thereafter the runner 9 is released from the catch II and pushed upwardly on the extended stick. Thereby the ribs are moved outwardly and away from the stick,v and now the braces 35 swing the stretcher members 3| outwardly, while the controlling members 23, moving telescopically upon the stretcher members I3, permit the spreading of the stretcher members I3, 3|, so that the distance between the joints and 28 is enlarged to the length needed in the extended umbrella. In this spreading, the Acontrol members 26 cti-operate with the braces 35. They Steady the jointed stretchers, and they limit the range of the turning of the stretcher members upon their pivot joints 30. When the umbrella has thus been extended the stretchers I8 and 3| cannot be collapsed, because they are held by the braces 35 and the controlling members 26.

'Ihe cover 36 is attachedto the crown 1, to the outer ends 31 of the outer rib members I5, and in addition only at 38 to the sleeves I9, while it is otherwise loose on the rib members. Therefore, when the umbrella is opened or extended the rib members I3, I4 and I5 are telescoped outwardly and the cover 36 is spread, in the same way as in a folding umbrella of similar construction in which rigid main braces are provided. This extending of the rib members and the spreading of the cover is made automatically, because in the course of the opening movement of the umbrella the subsidiary runner 33 engages the crown 1, so that near the end of the opening movement the fulcrums 32 of the stretcher members 3| are i'lxed on the stick.

The spring catch for supporting the main runner 9 has been illustrated in Fig, 6. As shown in the said figure it comprises a-tongue 8 carried by a sleeve 12 and punched therefrom, the said sleeve being fixed tothe upper member I of the stick at 13 and formed with a collar 14 providing an abutment for limiting the upward movement of the runner 9. At theside opposite to the tongue 8 the said sleeveis cut obliquely, and therefore it can be readily seen and felt by the hand. The upper end 16 is made with full cross-section to provide a reliable support for the runner. At its free end the tongue 8 is formed with a segmental edge 11 on which the runner is safely supported. The bottom end 18 of the tongue which is connected to the sleeve 12 is narrow so that the tongue is suiiiciently elastic.

The stick has been shown in detail in Figs. 7 to 9. It is shaped so that the members I and 3 cannot be turned relatively to each other in circumferential direction, so that the slot 19 made in the runner 9 is always in position for being engaged by the spring catch II when the umbrella is closed (Figs. 1 and 2). To prevent such rotary movement the intermediate stick member 2 is formed with a longitudinal groove or slot'90 which is engaged by an inwardly directed depression 9| of the stick member I. This depression also has the function to limit the outward movement of the part I with respect to part 2, and for this purpose a stop is also provided in the groove 90 of the stick member 2, which stop consists of a short wire 92 engaging with its inwardly bent end 93 in a hole 94 of the Wall of the stick member 2, the lower end 95 of the said wire being engaged by the said depression 9| when the stick is extended. 'Ihis construction of the stop is particularly useful for the reason that the parts are neither clamped nor deformed even if the stick members are energetically telescoped outwardly. Such deforming or clamping might occur if in lieu of the wire 92 a projection were provided in the wall of the stick member 2.

The lower stick member 3 is formed with two grooves 96 and 91, the groove 96 being in alignment with the groove 90 of the stick member 2. For guiding the members 2 and 3 relatively to each other the second groove 91 is provided which` is engaged by a depression 98 similar tothe depression 9|. If the grooves 90 and 99 were used for guiding the stick members, and if the groove 91 were omitted, there would be the danger of the parts being clamped by reason of the considerable length of the guiding surfaces. By providing the second groove 91 and the depression 98 for guiding the members 2 and 3 relatively to each other there may be so much clearance between the grooves and 96 as is necessary for preventing clamping. Further, the same construction may be provided for limiting the outward movement or the parts 2 and 3, viz. a short wire 99 carried by the member 3 and adapted for engagement with the depression 98.

To prevent the extended stick members from being accidentally telescoped inwardly the releas'able latches 4 and 5 are provided. The lower latch 5 carried by the lower stick member 3 is in the form of a nose made integral with a spring arm |00 iixed to a pin |0I. The nose is formed with an oblique slot I02 which is engaged by a laterally bent upper end |03 of a rod |04. The said rod carries a push button |05 guided within the handle I0. When the said push button is pressed Vinwardly the laterally bent end |03 of the rod slides in the oblique slot I02 and it retracts the nose 5 inwardly, thus releasing the lock of the members 2 and 3. The second locking nose 4 is formed on a pawl |01 located within the stick member 2 and pivotally mounted on a pin |06, and the nose is formed with an inwardly bent heel |08. The pawl |01 is acted upon by a leaf spring |09 urging the same with the nose 4 outwardly and into position for engagement with a slot II5 made in the wall of the stick member I. If the locking nose 5 is retracted inwardly, and the stick members 2 and 3 are telescoped inwardly the upper end of the stick member 3, which is formed with a bevelled portion IIO, engagesthe heel |08 of the spring latch 4 and retracts the said nose inwardly, whereby also the lock of the parts I and 2 is released. When the stick is telescoped outwardly the noses 4 and 5 automatically get into locking position.

In the construction shown in the figures the stick is made in three sections, and in order to reduce the length of the stick as far as possible when collapsing the same, and to utilize also the section of the stick member 3 which carries the spring catch II and the handle I0, the parts are shaped so that the catch II allows the runner 9 to pass over it when the stick members are telescoped inwardly, so that in thev collapsed posi,- tion of the frame the said runner is moved beyond its locked position and towards the handle I0, as is shown in Fig.`2.

When the stick is telescoped the connection between the runner 9 and the spring catch II is immediately reestablished, and this result is attained by constructing the members I and 2 with lengths such that they are not within the range of the slot 19 of the runner, and that their lower ends are located above the said slot when the limhrella is in the collapsed position shown in As appears from Fig. 2, only the upper stick member I which carries the crown 1 projects downwardly beyond the catch II, while the stick member 2 is located with its lower end above the said catch II. Therefore, when the stick is telescoped the connection between the runner and its catch is safely re-made, whether the median ,stick member 2 at first moves with the upper stick member or the lower one.

Instead of arresting the subsidiary runner 33 moving upwardly into the extended position of the umbrella by means of a stop in such a wav that the distance between the main runner and the subsidiary runner is reduced, the said subsidiary runner may be disposed below the main runner, and a spring may be provided between the said runners by means of whichl the distance between the runners is increased as the umbrella is being extended. By varying the positions of the members 35 and 3| accordingly the same result may be obtained as in the umbrella shown in the figures.

In the modification shown in Figs. 11 and 12 the stick of the umbrella is likewise made in three sections I, 2 and 3. But the ribs jointed to the crown 1 are made in two telescoping members 39 and 40. To the inner end 4| of the outer member 48 a stretcher member 43 is jointed at 42, which stretcher member is jointed at 44 to a complementary stretcher member 45 connected with its inner end to a subsidiary runner 45. A second runner 41, which will be described as main runner, is adapted to be fixed on the stick in its end positions by spring catches 8 and and it is connected by the controlling member 48 to the stretcher member 43 and by a brace 45 with an eye 53 of the stretcher member 45, the said eye 53 being located at a point intermediate the ends of member 45. The brace 48 and the controlling member 48 are jointed to a common ypivot bolt 55 fixed to the main runner 41. The outer end ofthe controlling member 48 is jointed at to a slide 52 which is shiftable on the stretcher member 43. The stretcher member 43 is extended beyond the joint 44, as is shown at 55, and in the extended position of the umbrella shown in Fig. 11 in full lines the saidextension 55 bears on the stretcher member 45. The extension 55 has the function to prevent the stretcher members 43 and 45 from being swung pivotally beyond the extended position shown in Fig. 11.

In the extended position of the umbrella the stretcher members 43, 45 are held in position by means of the brace 48 and the controlling member 48. Thus also the joint 42 is fixed in position, and the rib members are held in extended position by the framework just described.

If it is desired to close the umbrella, the main runner 41 isreleased from the catch 8 and pulled downwardly, and finally it is locked in position by means of the spring catch As the runner 41 is thus moved downwardly, the stretcher members 43, 45 are collapsed on their pivot joint 44, and the slide 52 is shifted outwardly on the stretcher member 43. Thus, as the umbrella is closed, the distance between the joints 42 and 58 is continuously reduced, until the parts in the positions shown in Fig. 11 in dotted lines, in which the distance between the said joints is not lmuch larger than the length of the controlling member 48. Thus the result is substantially the same as in the example described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10.

In Figs. 13 and 14 I have shown another modiilcation in which the frame work connecting the runner with the outer rib member is in the form of lazy tongs. 'I'he stick is made in two sections 55 and 51, the section 55 carrying the crown 1 and the spring catch 8 for locking the runner 58 in the position in which the ribs are extended, while the section 51 carries the handle (not shown) and the spring catch is adapted to hold the runner 58 in the position in which the umbrella is closed. The ribs are made in two telescopic sections 38 and 48.

To the inner end 4| of the outer rib member 48 a two-part stretcher member 58, 58 with an intermediate elbow joint 58 is jointed at 42, and

the inner end of the two-part stretcher member is jointed at 8| ,to the subsidiary runner 82. Between the joints 42 and 88 a link 84 is jointed to the stretcher member 58 at 83, and the said link 54 is connected to a link 88 by a pivot bolt 55. The inner end of the link 88 is jointed at 51 to the main runner 58. The link 88 is connected to the inner stretcher member 58 by a pivot bolt 58. The link 55 is, it will be perceived, the counterpart of the brace 35 of Fig. 1, in that, pivoted to the main runner 88 and to the inner stretcher member 58, it swings the stretcher member 58 upon its anchorage 8|; and it will be perceived that the link 84 is the counterpart of the member 25 of Fig. 1, in that pivoted at one end (in this case through the intermediacy of link 55) to the main runner 58, and at the other end to the outer stretcher member 58, it becomes a tension member that limits the expansive swing of the compound stretcher 58, 58, upon its pivot 80.

When the umbrella is opened the runners 82 and 58 are disposed on the upper member 58 of the stick, the runner 58 being fixed in position by the upper spring catch 8, and the runner 82 by a collar 1|) limiting the upward movement of the runner. Therefore all the parts of the lazy tongs and also the joint 42 are fixed in position, and therefore the ribs are held extended. If it is desired to close the umbrella, the spring catch 8 is pushed inwardly, and the main runner 58 is moved downwardly. Now by the pressure of the ribs the links of the lazy tongs are spread apart, so that the runners 82 and 88 are moved respectively upwardly and downwardly relatively to each other, until the ribs arrive in the closed position shown in Fig. 13 in dotted lines, the links -of the tongs being now located one beside the other. Therefore the distance between the joints 42 and 51 is considerably reduced as compared to the distance of the said joints in the extended or opened umbrella, the said distance having about the size of the length of the stretcher member 58. It appears therefore that also in this construction a result similar to that of the constructions shown in Figs. 1 to l0 and 11 and 12 is attained.

'I'he joints 42 and 83 are spaced from each other because in the collapsed umbrella shown in Fig. 14 the joint 42 must be close tothe crown 1, while the joint 83 is located a certain distance away from the crown in order to accommodate the collapsed lazy tongs.

After the umbrella has been closed, as has been shown in Fig. 13 in dotted lines, it may be collapsed into the position shown in Fig. 14 in the same way as has been described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

When it is desired to open the collapsed umbrella, the frame is at iirst extended from the position shown in Fig. 14 into the position lshown in Fig. 13 by pulling the ends of the stick apart.

Now the spring catch is pressed inwardly,

' and the runners 8'8 and 82 are moved upwardly.

By this upward movement the ribs 38, 48 are moved outwardly. In the course of the upward movement the runner 82 engages the collar 18, while the runner y88 continues its movement. Thus the ribs are spaced. and the cover is expanded. i

The constructions of the frame in which the runner is connected with the outer rib members may be used in ribs divided into two, three, or more members. In all these constructions the possibilit'yof reducing the length of the'ribs is completely made use of for collapsing the frame. This is particularly important in umbrellas in which the ribs are divided into three or more sections.

I claim:

1. A folding umbrella comprising a collapsible stick, a main runner and a subsidiary runner both movable longitudinally thereon, ribs cornposed of telescopic members and jointed to said stick, and collapsible bracing means pivotally connected to the outermost rib members and each comprising angularly jointed links connected re spectively to said main and subsidiary runners, said main and subsidiary runners being movable relatively to each other for setting said links in different angular positions and reducing and reestablishing the length of said bracing means when the umbrella is respectively opened and closed.

2. A folding umbrella having a collapsible stick, a main runner and a subsidiary runner and ribs composed of telescopic members jointed to said stick, and comprising stretchers in the form of lazy tongs one for each rib having their inner links jointed respectively to said runners and one of their outer links to the outermost rib members.

3.1In a folding umbrella as defined in claim 2, the further improvement which consists in the outer links of the lazy tongs at the side remote from the top of the umbrella being extended outwardly and connected with their outer ends to said outermost rib members, the length of the said extensions being such that in the collapsed umbrella said outer ends of the extensions are located near the joint of the ribs and the stick.

4. A folding umbrella, having a collapsible stick and a runner, and comprising ribs, each rib composed of three telescopic members, the median and innermost members being channel shaped in cross-section, the median member of each rib carrying a guiding member at its inner end which embraces the innermost rib member, and stretchers jointed to said runner andl to the inner ends of the outermost rib members, the joints between said stretchers and outermost rib members leaving spaces for the passage of the outer ends of the innermost rib members into telescoping engagement with the outermost rib members.

5. A folding umbrella, having a collapsible stick and a runner mounted on said stick and comprising ribs, each rib jointed to said stick and composed of three telescopic members, the inner and median members being hollow, and the inner members being constructed for telescoping within the median members, and the outer members being constructed for telescoping within the said inner members, and stretchers connecting said runner with the inner ends of said outer rib members.

6. In a folding umbrella as dened in claim 5, the further improvement described herein, which comprises locking members carried at the inner ends of said median rib members and adapted to engage shoulders provided at the outer ends of said inner rib members for limiting the outward movement of said median members.

'7. In a folding umbrella as defined in claim 5, the further improvement described herein, which consists of a sleeve fixed to the inner end of each median rib member, springs severally fixed to said sleeves and having arms projecting into position for locking engagement with said inner of the inward movement of said rib members.

8. In a folding umbrella, having a stick comi,- posed of at least three telescopic members, the

-lowermost member being located within the adjacent member, a. runner shiftable on said stick and formed with a shoulder and a spring catch within the said lowermost member adapted for engagement with said shoulder and comprising telescopically collapsible ribs carried by the upper end of said stick, and stretchers connecting said runner and ribs, the length of said stretchers in the collapsed position of the umbrella being such that the said runner is shifted downwardly beyond said spring catch, and the length of the upper stick members being such t/hat in the collapsed position of the umbrella it ends above said shoulder.

9. In a folding umbrella as defined in claim 8, the further improvement which consists in the uppermost stick member having a length such that in the collapsed umbrella it extends downwardly beyond said spring catch and that the intermediate stick member has a length such that in the collapsed umbrella it ends above the operative part of .said spring catch.

10. In a folding umbrella. that includes a stick having an outer stick member, a median stick member telescoping Within the same, and an inner stick member telescoping within said median stick member, together with ribs, stretchers, a runner shiftable on said stick, and catches for supporting said runner in its upper and lower position, the invention herein described which consists in a longitudinal guiding groove formed in the median stick member and receding inwardly from the outer circumference, means on the outer stick member in guiding engagement with said longitudinal groove, an inwardly directed projection on said median stick member circumferentially displaced with relation to said groove, and said inner stick member being provided with a longitudinal groove in guiding engagement with said inwardly directed projection of the median stick member.

11. In an umbrella as defined in claim 10, the further improvement which consists in stops provided respectively on the median and inner stick members in positions respectively for engagement with said means of the outer stick member and with said inwardly directed projection of said median stick member for limiting the outwardly directed movement of the stick members.

12. In a folding umbrella that includes a stick consisting of telescopically expansible and collapsible members, a plurality of ribs jointed to the stick and consisting each of a plurality of telescopically expansible and collapsible members, a runner movable longitudinally upon the stick, a plurality of collapsible and extensible stretchers, each consisting of two members pivotally connected together in an elbow joint and at their otherwise free ends pivoted, one to an anchorage on the stick and the other to one of the ribs, and a plurality of braces jointed each at one end to the runner and at the other end to the inner member of one of the stretchers, the invention herein described which consists in an-auxiliary runner movable upon the stick and arranged between the runner rst named and the jointing of the ribs to the stick, such auxiliary runner constituting the anchorage to which the stretchers are pivoted.

13. In a folding umbrella'that includes a stick consisting of a plurality of telescopically expan- VVsible and collapsible members, a plurality of ribs jointed to the stick and consisting each of a plurality of telescopically expansible and collapsible members, a runner movable longitudinally upon the stick, a plurality of expansible and collapsible stretchers, each consisting of two members pivotally connected together in an elbow joint and at their otherwise free ends pivoted, one to an anchorage on the stick and the other to one of the ribs, and a plurality of braces jointedeach at one end to the runner and at the other end to the inner member of one of the stretchers, the

invention herein described which consists in an auxiliary runner movable upon the stick and arranged between the runner rst named and` the jointing of the ribs to the stick, such auxiliary runner constituting the anchorage to which the stretchers are pivoted, and a plurality of tension stretchers, each consisting of two members pivotally connected together in an elbow joint and at their otherwise free ends pivoted, one to an anchorage on the stick and the other to one of the ribs, and a plurality of braces jointed each at one end to the runner and at the other end to the inner member of one of the stretchers, the invention herein described which consists in an auxiliary runner movable upon the stick and arranged between the runner rst named and the jointing of the ribs to the stick, such auxiliary runner constituting the anchorage to which the stretchers are pivoted, vand a plurality of controlling members, each pivotally jointed at one end to the runner I'lrst named and at the otherend-engaging the outer member of one of the stretchers.

15. A folding umbrella having a collapsible stick, telescopic rib members jointed to said stick and a main runner and a subsidiary runner movable on said stick, and compressing stretchers composed of outer and inner members pivotally united in elbow joints, the outer members of said stretchers severally jointed to the outermost rib members and the inner ones to said subsidiary runner, controlling members jointed to the main runner and severally slidably engaging said outer stretcher members, and braces severally jointed to the inner stretcher members at points intermediate the ends thereof and to `said main Tunnel'.

,HANS HAUPT. 

